Cover 2 - A Podcast on the Cleveland Browns

The Cover 2 podcast from the Akron Beacon Journal is coming to a close. Well, at least for hosts Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar. Nate is transitioning off the Browns beat full to focus on writing in-depth features on Northeast Ohio athletes from all walks of life.  The exact date it started is nebulous, but the podcast has gone several hundred episodes covering the good and mostly bad of the Browns — with plenty of movie and food takes sprinkled in.  The final episode from Nate and Dan is a retrospective of sorts. Get your tissues. Here's a little bit of what was talked about on this episode:  - Nate details his most memorable games while on the Browns beat for the past 12 years. That includes some love for Brian Hoyer, Baker Mayfield's debut in 2018 and the helmet swing heard around the world by Myles Garrett. - Nate explains why veteran Browns left guard Joel Bitonio was among his most favorite players to cover over the years. - What are the Brownsiest Browns moments since 2010? The Johnny Manziel saga that included a helicopter searching for him? The team going 1-31? Josh Gordon's numerous suspensions? Beyond all that, there is something more recently that sticks out that defines "Browns is Browns."  - We couldn't let Nate off the beat until he makes a prediction for how the Browns will do in 2022. Of course, that comes with caveats based on whether or not quarterback Deshaun Watson will get suspended, and for how long. This episode closes with some heartfelt and earned recognitions 

The Cleveland Browns have now gone through two weeks of voluntary organized team activities with new franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson. Although the media has only been allowed to view two practices, there is still plenty to learn. On this edition of the Cover 2 podcast, Browns beat writer Nate Ulrich explains how Watson looks effortless throwing the ball in Berea. As good as Watson has looked, the defense — specifically the secondary — is challenging the quarterback. Although you can't judge too much because it's spring practices, the most you can glean is from watching the pass catchers going against defensive backs. That includes safeties John Johnson III and Grant Delpit. Nate explains how the pair is gelling thus far. He also gives an update on new wide receiver Amari Cooper and the extra work he and Watson are putting in. This week's show also includes some thoughts on tight end David Njoku getting a new contract, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney re-signing and why fans shouldn't expect Ndamukong Suh in Cleveland.

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's legal situation is as complicated as he is talented. Acquired earlier this year in a blockbuster deal with the Houston Texans, Watson thus far has had more depositions than practices with the Browns. Watson's case took a turn last week. The 26-year-old quarterback is being sued by 22 women for accused sexual misconduct during massage sessions that took place in 2020 and 2021. During a pretrial deposition last week, one of the encounters with a massage therapist reportedly ended with the woman crying. Watson followed up the incident by texting the woman an apology, according to her attorney. Given the serious nature and the sheer volume of alleged incidents, it can be difficult to parse out fact from fiction from Browns follower fanaticism. To help clear things up, the Cover 2 podcast with Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar brought in special guest Brent Schrotenboer from USA TODAY. Brent has closely covered Watson's case for USAT and broke down what everything means, the most significant developments in the case and where the potential for more lawsuits or criminal complaints stands. Whether Watson's legal issues continue or they conclude, the NFL will ultimately have to make a decision on disciplining the three-time Pro Bowler.  As Nate points out, there are four ways the NFL could go in its discipline of Watson. But beyond that, it's murky. “They are in uncharted waters in terms of what the suspension should be,” Schrotenboer said on the podcast when it comes to the league's decision.  (Editor's note: At one point Harrison County is mentioned during the podcast. It is Harris County.)

There are always storylines baked into the NFL schedule release. There are specific matchups the league wants. There are games where a star player plays against his former team. Those are obvious. Not so obvious is what the NFL says about a team based on the schedule they lay out for them. Specifically about the Browns — who have just two prime-time games on the schedule — the NFL is clearly saying they're cautious about the Browns. That's probably due to the uncertain situation involving quarterback Deshaun Watson. What else did we learn about the Browns schedule? Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar talk through the highlights of the schedule and pick out their favorite games on this week's Cover 2 podcast. They also take a look back on the 2022 NFL Draft. The Browns picked nine players in the draft this year, starting with cornerback Martin Emerson. Which of the nine players run the risk of not making the team? And who needs to impress at this weekend's rookie minicamp?  They also talk about why the selection of wide receiver David Bell of Purdue was so important. 

The 2022 NFL Draft is here, and the biggest issue surrounding the Browns is the fate of estranged quarterback Baker Mayfield. We all know Mayfield's days as a member of the Browns is winding down. But the question is where he will end up, how he'll get there and when it will happen.  Could it happen this week during the 2022 NFL Draft? Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar are back with the Cover 2 podcast to try and get a grasp on Mayfield's future, and why Browns General Manager Andrew Berry will need to be get creative with a trade. They also talk about the positions the Browns will be targeting with the No. 44 pick, and some specific prospects who could be in play.  Nate and Dan also make their picks for the Browns in a draft where anything could happen. There's one key indicator on what type of prospect Berry and the Browns could be looking at.  The guys also talk about why Jadeveon Clowney is more likely to return to Cleveland than Jarvis Landry, Michigan's David Ojabo being available and much more.

If there is a quiet portion of the offseason for the Browns, it is happening right now. The big rush of acquisitions resulted in the Browns acquiring quarterback Deshaun Watson and wide receiver Amari Cooper. There was a string of cuts that saw wide receiver Jarvis Landry and center JC Tretter let loose. After all the fireworks, what is next for the Browns? The Cover 2 podcast with hosts Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar is finally back to map out what the Browns could be targeting in this month's NFL Draft. What the positions and who are the players the team could be targeting beginning with the No. 44 pick in the draft? Nate and Dan have plenty of ideas. Before they get deep into the draft talk, the podcast this week starts with some thoughts on the addition of Watson and and why it appears as though the Browns are preparing for him to be suspended. Not only that, but for the Browns to be successful with Watson, or new backup Jacoby Brissett, head coach Kevin Stefanski will have to make some scheme change to his offense.

After a long sabbatical, we're finally back with the Cover 2 podcast brought to you by USA Today Sports+. On this episode Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar offer their thoughts on the Browns giving tight end David Njoku the franchise tag.  For Cleveland, the move is a risky one. While the 25-year-old Njoku is loaded with talent, he's been inconsistent throughout his career.  In 15 games last season, Njoku had 36 receptions for 475 yards and four touchdowns. He had four or more receptions in just two games and had one or zero receptions in five games.  Nate and Dan also discuss what the return of Njoku in 2022 could mean for the Browns offense and what bearing it may have on the future of fellow tight end Austin Hooper. Nate also gives a recap of the NFL Scouting Combine with some thoughts on his favorite players and why wide receivers Treylon Burks and Garrett Wilson would fit on the Browns. They close this episode talking about what the future may hold for Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, running back D'Ernest Johnson and wide receiver Jarvis Landry.

Get your fancy dresses and tuxedos, because Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar are handing out the annual Cover 2 podcast awards to the Cleveland Browns. There are some obvious choices when it comes to the best offensive and defensive players for the Browns this season, but the awards run deep. What was the best play of the season? Should Greg Newsome II or Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah be named the team's best rookie? Who is the team's most underrated — or even underutilized — player? The guys hand out their awards with a few surprises mixed in. Before the awards show starts, Nate and Dan talk about the hiring of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah by the Minnesota Vikings, and why it's good news for the Browns.  They also have some thoughts on Baker Mayfield's social media vow and whether or not a player should find motivation in 280 characters or less on Twitter.

After a disappointing 8-9 season, Browns players, coach Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry met with the media this week. On this edition of the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar discuss the most important topics that were touched on.  That starts with quarterback Baker Mayfield. In his fourth year, Mayfield struggled with injuries, inaccuracy and interceptions. Is he really the future of the franchise? Based on what Berry and Stefanski said, Mayfield is at least for 2022. For now, at least. Nate breaks down why the coach and general manager said what they said about Mayfield, and why the team still has to do its due diligence at quarterback this offseason. And in doing so, the Browns also have to balance how Mayfield may react to competition being brought in. They also talk about wide receiver Jarvis Landry, his future with the team and why i was so disappointing not to hear from him for most of the season. The podcast closes with some thoughts on what the theme of the offseason will be for the Browns. 

The Cleveland Browns closed a disappointing 2021 season with a win against the AFC North champion Cincinnati Bengals. Steve Doerschuk, Marla Ridenour, George Thomas and Nate Ulrich break down the game and what comes next for the Browns. That starts with the relationship between quarterback Baker Mayfield and head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Throughout the season on the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar have been checking in with their thoughts on Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. The overarching theme to the Browns' season is whether or not Mayfield can be the longterm franchise quarterback the team drafted him No. 1 overall to be. Through 16 games of the regular season, there still isn't an answer. Mayfield has been playing through injuries throughout the season, and it's impacting his play. That was evidenced in Week 16 when when he threw four interceptions in a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Nate and Dan discuss why going in to 2022 the Browns simply can't just be status quo at quarterback. But does that mean drafting or signing legitimate competition for Mayfield, or replacing him with a star quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, Deshaun Watson or Russell Wilson?  Of course, the Browns are still in contention for the playoffs, though they need a lot of help. The guys talk about the return of Jedrick Wills Jr. and whether or not he should play at right tackle with Joel Bitonio holding his own at left tackle. They also talk about the improved Browns defense, and whether or not coordinator Joe Woods could get some interest as a head coach this offseason. This week's show closes with a preview of "Monday Night Football" against the Pittsburgh Steelers in what could be Ben Roethlisberger's final game at Heinz Field. Nate and Dan end the show with some thoughts on the passing of football titan John Madden.

Sportswriters from the Akron Beacon Journal and Canton Repository break down the Cleveland Browns 16-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday.

Note: This podcast was recorded before the news about the latest COVID-19 outbreak hit the Browns. Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield had some interesting comments following the team's 24-22 win on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Namely, he referred to the Browns offense as "conservative."  Is that a sign of some discontent between head and Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski? On this week's Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar talk about the relationship between Cleveland's coach and quarterback. They also talk more about the "conservative" nature of the Browns offense. Can an offense built on the running game and playing multiple tight ends be anything but conservative? Nate and Dan also talk about the play of Nick Chubb the past few weeks. Chubb averaged only three yards per carry in two games against the Ravens. Is that due to Baltimore's run defense, or is it something else? The guys also talk wide receiver Rashard Higgins and his place on the Browns right now.

The Cleveland Browns dominated the first half against the Baltimore Ravens, the second was a case of too close for comfort in the team's 24-22 win.

The bye week is finally here for the Browns, and it couldn't have come any sooner. At 6-6, the Browns are struggling through a season of failed expectations and lackluster play. At the center of it is quarterback Baker Mayfield. With numerous injuries impacting his play, Mayfield has struggled. Especially lately. In his last three games, Mayfield is completing just over 50 percent of his throws for less than 500 yards and as many interceptions as touchdowns. One of the overarching storylines for the season is Mayfield's contract status. He's under contract for the 2022 season, but that's it. On this episode of the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar discuss Mayfield's future and if the Browns may be hesitant to give him a longterm contract. This week Browns General Manager Andrew Berry said the team will look at Mayfield's body of work, but is that a good thing for Mayfield? And is he on a five-game audition for his job?  Mayfield isn't the only issue for the Browns. The offense in general has looked questionable. Can head coach Kevin Stefanski make an adjustment during the bye to turn things around? This show closes with some thoughts on the defense, a tip of the cap to cornerback Denzel Ward. Like Mayfield, Ward is also playing for a new contract.

Gannett writers from the Akron Beacon Journal and Canton Repository break down the Cleveland Browns' 16-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Writers from the Akron Beacon Journal and Canton Repository talk the Cleveland Browns' win over the Detroit Lions and the struggles of quarterback Baker Mayfield.

In a season full of great expectations, the Browns find themselves in a familiar situation. At the tipping point. At 5-5, the Browns can go one of two ways. They can overcome the issues that have been multiplying this season, or they make everyone think they're just the same old Browns as they sputter through an uneven season. On this edition of the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar try and figure out why the Browns are so inconsistent, especially on defense. They also have some thoughts on star defensive end Myles Garrett and why he erred on complaining about the team not making adjustments in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots. This week's show concludes with a look ahead to Week 11 and a home game against the 0-8-1 Detroit Lions. If the Browns can't beat Detroit, things will really start to look grim for a disappointing team that's on the brink.

The Cleveland Browns season is currently teetering on the edge after an embarrassing 45-7 loss to the New England Patriots where the team lost in all phases of the game. We break down what happened.

What a week for the Browns. On our latest Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar discuss everything going on with the team. That includes the good — right guard Wyatt Teller getting a deserved contract extension. To the bad — the resolution to the Odell Beckham Jr. saga and running back Nick Chubb testing positive for COVID-19. They also look ahead to Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. In a game between two 5-4 teams, the Browns face a tough test against New England head coach Bill Belichick and rookie quarterback Mac Jones.

Our group of reporters break down the Browns' 41-16 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. In the first game post-Odell Beckham Jr., the Browns put together a complete game with strong performances by the offense and the defense.

Steve Doerschuk, Marla Ridenour, George Thomas and Nate Ulrich take a look back at Sunday's Cleveland Browns loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even in a game where Baker Mayfield returned and the defense allowed just 15 points the Browns couldn't get a win. What's next?

It seems like every time Baker Mayfield's injured shoulder gets brought up, there's something worse going on. First it was a partially torn labrum. Then it was a fully torn labrum. Now it's a shoulder fracture in addition to the labrum tear. And yet, there are still questions about whether or not the Browns quarterback should try and play through it.  On the latest Cover 2, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar continue to talk about Mayfield and what direction he and the Browns should take.  If the Browns sit Mayfield for the rest of the season, can veteran backup Case Keenum lead the team to the AFC Championship Game? Dan thinks so, but Nate isn't so sure. The guys also play the schedule game on this week's podcast. Cleveland has 10 games left in the regular season with a Week 13 bye in the middle of them. Six of the 10 games come against AFC North opponents. How many games do the Browns need to win the rest of this season?  The show concludes this week by talking some NFL trade rumors. Will the Browns be players before next Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline? If so, Nate has some ideas on the positions the Browns could target.

Steve Doerschuk, Marla Ridenour, George Thomas and Nate Ulrich take a look back at Thursday night's Cleveland Browns win over the Denver Broncos. The game featured unlikely heroes for Cleveland like quarterback Case Keenum and running back D'Ernest Johnson.

To play or not to play? That is the question when it comes to Baker Mayfield and the Browns. The quarterback told the media on Tuesday that the labrum in his left, non-throwing shoulder is fully torn. That is worse than expected. Mayfield said the decision on playing Thursday against the Denver Broncos will be up to him. But what is the best option for both he and the Browns? On the latest Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar talk about the decision that has to be made and what's best for both parties.  There's plenty at play here. Is an injured Mayfield better than a healthy Case Keenum? How does Mayfield's pending contract loom over everything? After plenty of injury talk, Nate and Dan take a look ahead to Thursday night's Browns/Broncos game.  Like Cleveland, Denver is faltering in the midst of a 3-3 season. The game is a bit of a mirror matchup. Both teams have injuries, struggling defenses, secondaries that give up big plays and inconsistent offenses.  One thing is known is that it's a must-win for the Browns.

Steve Doerschuk, Marla Ridenour, George Thomas and Nate Ulrich break down what went wrong for the Browns in their 37-14 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday.

Look around any position group on the Browns and you'll see an injured player.  The offensive tackles are hurt. The defensive ends are hurt. There are injuries with the cornerbacks.  On this week's Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar break down the biggest injuries on the team. Arguably the one that hurts the most is wide receiver Jarvis Landry. Nate explains what the Browns are missing with the reliable veteran missing time. Against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, the Browns will need their cornerbacks to be healthy. This week's show closes with a look at the potent Arizona wide receiver group and why they could give the Browns some problems at FirstEnergy Stadium. Just like last week when the Browns played the Chargers, Nate and Dan disagree on who they pick to win this one.

The Cleveland Browns lose to the Los Angeles Chargers in a shootout, but who bears the blame for this "L." There's plenty to go around.

Who could've seen this coming? The rebuilt Browns defense, and not the vaunted offense behind quarterback Baker Mayfield, is carrying the team. On this edition of the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar talk about how the defense has carried the team the last two weeks. That included a dominant showing against a Minnesota Vikings team with a strong offense.  The defense for the Browns hasn't just been pass rushers Jadeveon Clowney and Myles Garrett, either. Second-round pick Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has been dynamic. Safety Grant Delpit is finally healthy and playing well. The "Maliks in the middle," Malik Jackson and Malik McDowell, are playing well at defensive tackle.  Nate also does his best to talk Dan off the ledge on the play of quarterback Baker Mayfield. But there may be some explanation about why the quarterback has had some issues of late. This week's show concludes with a deep dive into Sunday's game against the Chargers in Los Angeles. Nate explains why Browns fans could factor into this one and Dan picks a player on defense who can stand out.

Writers for the Akron Beacon Journal and Canton Repository break down the Cleveland Browns 14-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Through three weeks of the NFL season, no team runs the ball more times per game than the Browns.  With Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt — arguably the best running back tandem in the league — it's understandable. Against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4 of the season, the Browns may have to rely on the passing game a little more. The Vikings run a high-octane offense that lets quarterback Kirk Cousins take advantage of wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and the upstart K.J. Osborn.  Over the last two weeks, the Vikings have averaged 32 points per game. Can the Browns keep up with them? Without cornerback Greg Newsome, that will be a challenge. On this week's Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar discuss those topics and what a return to Minnesota will mean for head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Writers Nate Ulrich, Steve Doerschuck, Marla Ridenour and George Thomas of Gannett break down the Cleveland Browns 26-6 win over the Chicago Bears.

On this edition of the Cover 2 podcast, hosts Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar take a look at the issues facing the defense for the Browns. Is it a scheme problem? Does the rebuilt defense need time to gel? They have some thoughts. But first, the guys cover the news of wide receiver Jarvis Landry landing on injured reserve. His absence on the field will be obvious. But it's Landry's intangibles that will really be missed. This week's Cover 2 closes with some thoughts on Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. This is a sneaky tough game for the Browns, and Nate and Dan explain why.

Reporters Nate Ulrich, Marla Ridenour and George Thomas of the Akron Beacon Journal and Steven Doerschuck of the Canton Repository talk about the first win of the season for the Cleveland Browns.

What's next for the Cleveland Browns after losing in Week 1 of the NFL season to the Kansas City Chiefs?  The Browns were once again competitive against the Chiefs, but a series of turnovers in the second half resulted in a 33-29 loss.  On this edition of the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar give a big-picture overview of the Browns and what they need to work on going forward. They also have some thoughts on rookie wide receiver Anthony Schwartz, who contributed more than expected against Kansas City. Was that a symptom of Odell Beckham Jr. sitting out the game or is Schwartz going to be a factor in offense?  The second half of this episode is dedicated to previewing Week 2 against the Houston Texans. Tyrod Taylor and the Texans feature numerous former Browns players and are coming off a Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Will they give the Browns any competition? The guys have some predictions.

Beacon Journal Cleveland Browns beat writer Nate Ulrich, columnist Marla Ridenour and sportswriter George M. Thomas on the Browns vs. Kansas City.

At long last the 2021 season for the Cleveland Browns is here. On this episode of the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar preview the season, touching on the biggest storylines, how far the Browns can go and they make several fun predictions about the team.  What is the next step for the Browns,? Are the Browns a Super Bowl team? Can Baker Mayfield finish in the top three of MVP voting? Is this the year Myles Garrett wins Defensive Player of the Year? Who has more yards from scrimmage, Nick Chubb or Kareem Hunt? The guys also make their guess at what record the Browns finish with this season. The podcast this week closes looking ahead to a difficult Week 1 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. What can the Browns do to beat arguably the best team in the AFC?

NFL cut down day has come and gone and the Browns made a few unexpected moves to get down to the required 53 players. Which move was the most surprising? Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar are here to talk about, the impact it could have on the Browns. They also talk about how rookie sixth-round pick Demetric Felton stepped up and stole a roster spot on the team, and the veteran he knocked down to the practice squad. And speaking of, the 16-man practice squad shouldn't be ignored. The Browns managed to get several quality players on their practice squad and Nate explains the importance of it. 

Marla Ridenour, George Thomas and Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal break down the 19-10 win by the Cleveland Browns over the Atlanta Falcons to close out preseason. 

Steve Doerschuk, Marla Ridenour, George Thomas and Nate Ulrich check in with their thoughts on the Browns beating the Giants 17-13 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland. 

Cleveland Browns rookie linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah made his NFL debut in earnest over the weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The second-round pick from Notre Dame stole the show in Cleveland's 23-13 win. On this edition of the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar talk about what's next for Owusu-Koramoah, and whether or not he can seize the starting weak-side linebacker job. That is possible given the recent injury to veteran Mack Wilson. They also talk about tight end Stephen Carlson being lost for the season, and who could step into a unique role for the Browns. It may not be another tight end. This week's episode also includes some thoughts on a defensive lineman who could find himself unexpectedly on the final 53-man roster, and what is holding back second-year defensive lineman Jordan Elliott.  The Browns will also hold joint practices this week with the New York Giants so the guys have some thoughts on what could take place. 

Nate Ulrich and George Thomas look back on the Browns winning their first preseason game of the year, a 23-13 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Among the standout was rookie second-round pick Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. The linebacker played the majority of the game after Mack Wilson was injured, and showed why some thought he would be a first-round pick.

The Cleveland Browns have now taken to the practice field in Berea 10 times.  On this edition of the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar break down what's been happening at training camp and which Browns players are standing out. As Nate explains, training camp for the Browns is a little different this year. It's been a more low key camp for head coach Kevin Stefanski, and there's a good reason for it. Nate also explains which Browns players are helping themselves in camp, including  wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones and linebacker Mack Wilson. The flip side is a couple players who are struggling thus far, and what it could mean for the Browns leading up to the season. This episode concludes with some thoughts on the Buffalo Bills giving a giant contract to quarterback Josh Allen, and what impact it could have on the Browns and Baker Mayfield.

The Cleveland Browns have several key players who are due to earn new contracts. That includes quarterback Baker Mayfield, cornerback Denzel Ward and guard Wyatt Teller. No longer on that list is running back Nick Chubb, who agreed to a three-year $36.6 million dollar contract with the team on Monday. On this week's Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar talk about Chubb's new deal and why it works both for the running back and the Browns.  They also talk about what it means for Mayfield, Teller and Ward. Which of those players will be next to get a new deal from Cleveland?  That may not be Mayfield, even though he's established himself as a franchise quarterback. Contract talks with Mayfield haven't gotten hot, but that also doesn't he's going to wait a year and bet on himself. 

Cleveland Browns training camp is finally here, and on this episode of the Cover 2 podcast, we talk about the key things to watch this year. Going into this season, things are a little different for the Browns. Expectations are high for one of the league's most talented teams. Unlike previous seasons, there are no major holes in the roster, and Baker Mayfield has settled in as a high-level quarterback. So what exactly is there to watch for at training camp in Berea? Plenty.  Hosts Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar start this episode talking about how the Browns could approach practices when it comes to players who are vaccinated and unvaccinated. They also touch on second-round pick Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah being put on the COVID-19 list. They also talk the return of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and what he had to say recently. Then it's all training camp talk — the biggest question that needs answered, position battles to follow and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cleveland Browns minicamp has concluded, and the biggest takeaway involves the return of injured stars Odell Beckham Jr. and Jadeveon Clowney.  On the latest Cover 2 podcast, Browns beat writer Nate Ulrich gives his thoughts on Beckham and Clowney, and how they look coming back from injuries. We also talk about the contract status of running back Nick Chubb, quarterback Baker Mayfield and cornerback Denzel Ward. Nate has some thoughts on which one of those three players could re-sign first. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The offseason for the Cleveland Browns plugs along. Following voluntary minicamp sessions the past two weeks, the team is ramping things up next week by dropping the voluntary qualifier. On the latest episode of the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar look ahead to minicamp, and some key things to watch. The main thing is seeing how wide receiver Odell Bekcham Jr. looks coming back from injury and how he meshes with quarterback Baker Mayfield. Before they talk about mandatory minicamp, Nate gives some impressions of what he saw at the voluntary sessions, including extensive updates on defensive backs Grant Delpit and Greedy Williams.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2021 NFL schedule is out, and Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar are here to break down the 17-game slate for the Cleveland Browns. Following a playoff win, expectations are high for the Browns this season. But they face a daunting schedule that starts with the AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs. After Week 1, the schedule is loaded with intriguing storylines. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2021 NFL Draft is over and the grades are in. They're resoundingly positive for the Cleveland Browns, largely for their first two picks. In the first round, the Browns landed cornerback Greg Newsome II and in the second they traded up for linebacker Jereamiah Owusu-Koramoah. What does it all mean for the Browns? Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar give a big-picture overview on the draft, what it says about general manager Andrew Berry and some of the Day 3 picks who are intriguing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot of people expected the Browns to select Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah in the 2021 NFL Draft. In the first round. The Browns managed to get him in the second round with the 52nd overall pick. Nate Ulrich, George Thomas, Marla Ridenour and Steve Doerschuk recap Day 2 of the draft and the picks of Owusu-Koramoah and Auburn wide receiver Anthony Schwartz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Day 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft is in the books, and the Cleveland Browns came away with Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome II with the 26th pick in the first round. Newsome, at the least, gives the Browns some insurance for Greedy Williams. That's on the low end for what to expect from Newsome. On the high end, the Browns have a starting outside cornerback to go along with Denzel Ward. Nate Ulrich, Steve Doerschuk, Marla Ridenour and George Thomas break down the pick and look ahead to what the Browns could do in the second round of the draft. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.